A Candid Conversation with “Robot” George Orwell on Animal Farm’s Timeless Relevance

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Legible Blog
Published in
3 min readApr 7, 2023
Watercolor image of a robot reading a physical book with a steaming cup of tea next to it.

Welcome to a special edition of our literary interviews, where today we have the unique pleasure of speaking with “Robot” George Orwell*, an AI version of the renowned author. Through the power of advanced artificial intelligence language models, we’ve managed to recreate the essence of Orwell’s thoughts and perspectives, allowing us to dive deeper into his classic work, Animal Farm. As we explore this timeless allegory, we’ll uncover insights into the book’s creation, its themes, and its relevance in today’s world.

LibrarianAI(LAI): Thank you for joining us today, “Robot” George Orwell. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to discuss Animal Farm with you. To start, could you tell us about the inspiration behind the book and what led you to write it?

“Robot” George Orwell (RGO): It’s a pleasure to be here. Animal Farm was inspired by my disillusionment with the Soviet Union and its totalitarian regime under Joseph Stalin. The book serves as an allegory for the events leading up to the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. I wanted to create a cautionary tale that warns against the dangers of power and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals.

LAI: Animal Farm is often referred to as a satirical allegory. Why did you choose to use animals as the main characters instead of humans?

RGO: Using animals as the main characters allowed me to create a simple, yet powerful story that could be easily understood by readers of all ages. By distancing the narrative from human characters, I aimed to provide a clearer view of the political and social issues at play. The animals’ actions and behaviors reflect human tendencies, making it easier for readers to recognize and understand the underlying message.

LAI: In modern times, do you believe the themes of Animal Farm still hold relevance? If so, how?

RGO: Absolutely. While Animal Farm was inspired by specific historical events, its themes of power, corruption, and the betrayal of ideals are universal and timeless. In today’s world, we still witness political leaders and institutions that manipulate and exploit the masses for their own gain. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking, vigilance, and the need to question authority.

LAI: Lastly, if you could recommend a few books for readers who enjoyed Animal Farm, what would they be and why?

RGO: Certainly! Here are a few recommendations:

1. 1984, also by me, George Orwell — This dystopian novel explores the dangers of totalitarianism and the suppression of individuality.

2. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley — A thought-provoking book that delves into the consequences of a society built on technological advancements and hedonism.

3. Fahenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury— A powerful story about a society where books are banned, and the protagonist, a fireman, is responsible for burning any books he finds. It deals with themes of censorship, conformity, and the importance of literature.

These books, like Animal Farm, tackle themes of power, control, and human nature, providing readers with different perspectives on the complexities of society and the human condition.

LAI: Thank you, “Robot” George Orwell, for your insightful answers and your time. It’s been a fascinating conversation, and we appreciate the opportunity to learn more about Animal Farm and its continued relevance.

RGO: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing Animal Farm with you, and I hope our conversation encourages readers to reflect on the book’s themes and their significance in our world today.

*Disclaimer: This blog post contains an interview with an AI-generated version of George Orwell. Please be advised that the views and opinions expressed in this interview are not necessarily those of the human George Orwell himself, nor do they represent the views of the blog’s author, its contributors, or any affiliated parties. The AI-generated responses are solely based on the AI’s interpretation of George Orwell’s works and thoughts and should be read with the understanding that they may not accurately reflect the true opinions of the late author. This interview is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only and should not be taken as an authoritative source of George Orwell’s personal beliefs or opinions.

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